Multiverse's Holy Right

"Oh? Erica Blandelli, are you saying you wish to redeem yourselves through meritorious service?"

Compared to the inarticulate and shame-faced Liliana, Roy found Erica far more intriguing.

"Exactly so, O 'King.' Rather than letting us perish, we who live can serve you better and bring you what you need. Therefore, I dare to seek an audience, hoping you will forgive our sins and pardon the disrespect of the 'Bronze Black Cross.'"

Erica bowed deeply, pleading for Roy's mercy.

The other young magicians nearby were filled with admiration for Erica's bold plea. They all knew that Erica and Liliana were close friends, and that the 'Bronze Black Cross' and the 'Copper Black Cross' had been rivals for centuries. Yet, for the sake of her friend and the survival of the opposing magical order, Erica set aside all prejudices and dared to petition the 'cruel' King.

Only the more experienced magicians and the higher-ups of the major magical orders could truly grasp the depth of Erica's intentions. They glanced at Paolo Blandelli, secretly envious—the 'Copper Black Cross' had already found an exceptional successor!

"Lady Erica, raise your head and speak to me!"

Hearing Roy's words, Erica did not hesitate. She lifted her delicate face and boldly met Roy's gaze.

Her features were exquisitely beautiful, her azure eyes brimming with noble pride. Her lustrous golden hair cascaded down, forming a striking contrast with her fair, delicate skin. The exposed expanse of her décolletage, especially the creamy whiteness of her chest, made it hard to look away.

"Let me ask you a personal question—how old are you?"

"Your Majesty, I am fourteen years old."

"Fourteen, huh..."

Roy sighed. In his memory, Erica seemed two years younger than when the original events had taken place. Yet, even so, this girl who should still be in middle school already possessed the charm of a noblewoman and a mind that, though still somewhat unrefined, was sharp and profound.

Roy's musings about Erica's youth drew silent criticism from the other magicians.

Fourteen? What of it? According to records, this 'King' was only sixteen himself. And yet, this sixteen-year-old 'King' had skillfully seized the perfect opportunity to pressure Italy's magical orders, effortlessly forcing them to swear allegiance.

No one had expected this 'King' to leave the Vatican and personally intervene, catching them red-handed during their meeting. With witnesses and evidence in place, their defiance of the 'King's' orders was undeniable, leaving Roy effortlessly holding the moral high ground.

Originally, the Seven Sisters of Italy had planned to unify their actions during this meeting to retrieve the 'Sword King,' who was far away in Africa searching for a Heretic God. After that, it would have been a clash between the new and old Kings, with the magical orders simply waiting to pledge allegiance to the victor.

But now, Roy had seized upon their defiance as justification to force their immediate loyalty. If they refused, Roy would have an excuse to execute them all. And if the Seven Sisters alliance agreed, they would be committed to supporting Roy unconditionally, with no turning back.

Because this oath was not like the ambiguous allegiance sworn to Salvatore Doni, where power and obligations were unclear, by the time they reached this point, any possibility of betrayal had been severed. Regardless of whether Roy or Salvatore emerged victorious in their future confrontation, the Seven Sisters Alliance would have to stand firmly behind Roy.

"Such profound wisdom and tactics hardly seem like those of a Campione. To be favored by the emperor is like walking beside a tiger... truly a terrifying 'King.'"

The leaders of the major magical organizations were all adept at wielding power, which was precisely why they could grasp the deeper implications of Roy's move—forcing them onto a path with no turning back.

"Lady Erica, though young in age, you possess an astute and perceptive mind... While appearing to speak favorably for the 'Bronze Black Cross,' and personally facing me at great risk, you knew all along there was no real danger. If I were to forgive the 'Bronze Black Cross,' that magical association would owe you a favor. And if I did not forgive them, it would bring no harm to your 'Copper Black Cross'—instead, you would have used my hand to eliminate a rival."

"...Hahahaha!! Lady Erica, you saw right through me—that I had no intention of killing any of you, only giving you a warning to force your allegiance. By stepping forward to pledge loyalty now, the title of 'first to swear fealty' would earn you and the 'Copper Black Cross' significant favor in my eyes. With that advantage, your association could then secure greater benefits and status within the Seven Sisters Alliance, across Italy, and even among magical societies worldwide."

Pausing briefly, Roy continued, "...Am I correct, Lady Erica? Do not deceive me—speak your true thoughts."

Erica, who had intended to argue that her loyalty was genuine and not driven by such calculations, found herself unable to voice her defense after meeting Roy's eerie, mystical double-pupiled gaze. Lowering her head bitterly, she admitted, "...Your Majesty sees all. You have uncovered every petty scheme of mine. To presume to guess Your Majesty's will was my disrespect. I await your punishment."

Liliana, standing beside Erica, stared at her best friend in disbelief. She had been genuinely moved by Erica's earlier act of standing up for her, only to realize now that her dear friend had meticulously planned everything—even including her in the scheme, effectively using the 'Bronze Black Cross' to her advantage.

The other magicians and knights who hadn't discerned Erica's subtle machinations also felt a chill run down their spines, ashamed of their earlier belief that Erica was 'righteous.' This woman was far from an upright knight—her heart seemed more akin to that of a 'demon.'

At this moment, Erica was truly trembling with fear. Her carefully laid plans had been exposed, and she dreaded the possibility of Roy growing furious at her thoughts and actions.

"Punishment? No, no, no, Lady Erica, there's no need to fear. Since ancient times, subjects have always sought to interpret the will of their 'King.' Only by doing so can one become beloved by the 'King.' Your attempt to discern my thoughts was not wrong, but you must know when to stop. Do not wield such wisdom in misguided ways."

Roy cast a deep glance at Erica before sweeping his gaze across the room. "...Well then, my esteemed subjects, have you reached any conclusions in your discussions?"

As he spoke, Roy withdrew his authority, restoring Diana Milito, the leader of the 'Bronze Black Cross,' to her original form.

Paolo Brandelli, leader of the 'Copper Black Cross,' was the first to rise, placing a hand on his shoulder in a knightly salute. "...The 'Copper Black Cross' pledges allegiance to you, honoring you as our supreme leader!"

"The 'She-Wolf' pledges—"

"The 'Capital Lilies' pledges—"

"The 'Bronze Black Cross' pledges—"

"The 'Blue Eagle' pledges—"

"..."

In the blink of an eye, six of the seven sister magical organizations present swore fealty to Roy. As for the one that hadn't attended, it had no other choice left.

"Excellent, my esteemed subjects. Then I shall hereby issue my first command: devote all your resources in Italy to locating the traces of Metatron!"

"...Secondly, intensify the excavation and archaeological efforts of ancient ruins within Italy, seeking out those truly ancient divine artifacts!"

With those words, Roy rose from his chair. His gaze fell upon Erica, still kneeling on the ground. "...Lady Erica Brandelli, you have indeed piqued my interest. Your intellect and methods have earned my recognition. Come to the Vatican tomorrow to serve under me, and I shall grant you—and the 'Copper Black Cross'—the status and favor you rightfully deserve."

The gathered magicians and knights stood in respectful silence as Roy's crimson figure vanished from the conference hall, departing the 'She-Wolf' headquarters to return to the Vatican.

With the allegiance of the seven sisters secured and the stronghold of Christianity now under his command, Roy could truly be called the undisputed 'King of Italy'!

***

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